Happy Patriotism

 Come, come…

Upload your photos, selfies, and videos of Independence Day greetings, and show the world how much patriotism burns within you…!!! Every 15th of August, a miracle unfolds in our country. For some, it’s the only day their patriotism awakens—stirring from a year-long slumber. It steps out of its warm, cozy corner, stretches lazily, dons a tricolor badge or cap, snaps a selfie with the flag, and posts a “Happy Independence Day” status on social media. It picks up a small plastic flag from a street vendor, joins a march, and swells with pride, believing it has performed a grand act of ‘national service.’ Social media transforms into a parade ground—overflowing with “Happy Independence Day” posts, hashtags, and pictures of people waving flags. For a few fleeting hours, we all feel we’ve fulfilled some monumental duty to the nation. And all this—for what? Not to fight for the country, but to take selfies. To prove to others, “Look, how great a patriot I am!” Because we mistake hashtags for sacrifice and selfies for service. But by evening, those flags lie discarded on the roadside or in dustbins. Streets are littered with plastic tricolors, forgotten and ignored. And our patriotism? It quietly retreats to its dark corner, pulls a blanket over its head, and sleeps for the next 363 days—until Republic Day. Here’s the thing: We’ve turned our love for the nation into a festival—a one-day spectacle of performative patriotism. If patriotism only stirs once or twice a year, it’s not patriotism—it’s pretense. Starting tomorrow, the insults, lies, rumors, photoshopped screenshots, half-truths, and trending hashtags will flow freely again… We remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters only on August 15 or January 26—and forget them just as quickly. We want India to improve, but our contribution is limited to WhatsApp statuses or social media posts, not to changing our habits. We expect our soldiers to guard our borders, but we don’t bother saving our streets from becoming garbage dumps. We complain about corruption, yet we’re the ones slipping money under the table to save time. We call India “Bharat Mata,” but we don’t hesitate to litter her soil or spit on her streets without a second thought. Freedom wasn’t handed to us wrapped in tricolor paper. It was earned through blood, sacrifice, and years of relentless struggle. Those who won us this freedom didn’t fight for just one day a year. They fought daily—through hunger, pain, and fear—without expecting applause. Remember: Patriotism isn’t a seasonal emotion. It’s not about the flag in your hand; it’s about the responsibility in your heart. It’s about paying taxes honestly, following the law, refusing to bribe, respecting diversity, rejecting division in the name of religion or caste, and keeping our environment clean. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching or applauding. Independence Day isn’t a one-day celebration. It’s a 365-day responsibility. It’s not just about singing the national anthem on August 15 or January 26—it’s about honoring our nation through our actions every single day. This August 15, don’t just salute the flag. Honor its values—and protect them daily. Let your patriotism be a habit, not a seasonal display. Let it live in your character, not your closet. Let your love for India shine like the sun and moon—present every day, not fleeting like a shooting star…!!!